Newsletter of Kettering Baptist Church December 2016 Volume 14 Issue 12 Ministry in the Spirit of Excellence HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS There used to be a sheep are separated from the goats. He shares with time when the birth- those who will inherit the Kingdom of God, His day of someone we joy for the many ways in which they have blessed loved would cause us Him, when he was hungry, thirsty, naked, in pris- to plan a visit to on and in need. The accolades He expresses to Hallmark or one of them, causes them to wonder at what points they the card stores to ob- had ever done such things for Him. He responds tain an appropriate card that said how we felt or at with a profound statement in 25:40, “… least close to it. Additionally, we would be search- ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to ing for the right gift to bring excitement to their one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to day. For some you may have even been preparing Me.’” a cake and ice cream get together. Well needless to say times have changed and instead of a card, if If Jesus expresses joy and appreciation in the day our phone reminds us, we now send a text mes- of judgement regarding the many generous acts of sage with some emoji attached. The idea of cele- kindness and love shown to the brethren, and con- brating has become minimized. I can’t help but fers that they likewise have been done onto Him, wonder if at the end of the day if we have made a then we can use this information to seek a way to true contribution in making the day happy. make his birthday truly a Happy one. I believe that to make it a happy Birthday for Jesus then perhaps In a couple of weeks the world will celebrate the we should see how we can be involved in helping birth of Christ, the Savior of the world. We have those brethren in need. Can I clarify that not every heard so much about the commercialization of the person is a part of the brethren and not all who ask holiday and the shift of focus from Him to us. On or appear to be lacking are truly in need. There is so many fronts, especially the Christian one, we no doubt a many opportunities we have to make it are often beat up for being self -indulged and hav- a happy birthday for Him. Additionally, we have ing our priorities out of order. I suppose we are the opportunity to bring our gift directly to Him guilty of those accusations. I guess we should ask with surrendered lives, offerings of sacrifice and ourselves if our celebrations will make Him hap- worship that is pure. I want to encourage us all to py. plan ahead to make this a Happy Birthday for Je- sus. There is a way to breathe life into our practice of blessing each other on Jesus’ birthday. In Matthew Loving My Sheep 25, which seems to keep coming to me, Jesus is Pastor Bucas Sterling, III describing the final day of judgement when the “Driven by Destiny” Genesis 32: 24 —28
1 KBC Mass Choir Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware Publisher “Driven by Destiny” Kettering Baptist Church Story on page 5 1 Kettering Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Pastor Bucas Sterling III
The Newsletter Ministry Members Sis. Deidre Hicks Sis. Jaime Eley McDowney Sis. Debbie Mosby Bro. Kenneth Trass
You may contact any member with ques- tions about the ministry. The Newsletter Ministry meets on the 2nd Monday of every month.
Article deadline: 25th day of the previous month
Please send articles to: [email protected] You may also place disks and/or hard copy submissions in the ‘Newsletter’ box in the Admin Office.
Our Mission Statement To lift up the name of Jesus Christ, that all men may be drawn to Him. To in- form, edify, and encourage the members and ministries of Kettering Baptist Church. To inform and encourage our community.
“The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:5
The Newsletter Ministry kindly reserves the right to edit or alter all submissions for publication. The Pastor has the final authority on publication.
2 Congratulations to KBC’s 1st Quarter 2016 – 2017 Honor Roll Recipients “Driven by Destiny”
Nyla D. Adon Robert Goddard Montessori School Paris L. Adon Robert Goddard Montessori School Aidan A. Ashton Columbia Park Elementary School Keilah Brown Kettering Elementary School Bianca J. Bullock Rosaryville Elementary School Naomi C. Bullock Gwynn Park Middle School Paris Burgess Dora Kennedy French Immersion School Myles W. Burrows Riverdale Baptist School Roderick N. Chapman, Jr. Gwynn Park Middle School Ava Davis Kingsford Elementary School Desiree R. Davis Suitland High School CVPA Brianna D. Frink Samuel Ogle Middle School Evan D. Frink Rockledge Elementary School Amirah V. Harper Kingsford Elementary School Lailani A. Harrell Maya Angelou French Immersion School Malachi A. Harrell Oxon Hill High School Khairi A. Hill Glenarden Woods Elementary School Kyla A. Hill Phyllis E. Williams Elementary School Badi Joyce, Jr. DeMatha Catholic High School Kyle A. Logan Woodstream Christian Academy Taylor R. McCormick Eleanor Roosevelt High School Aiyana McCoy Kenilworth Elementary School Aaly’Ana N. Morris Longfellow Elementary School Christopher T. Nelson Huntingtown High School Denai Newton Kenilworth Elementary School Siann I. Omorogieva Elizabeth Seton High School Xavier Perry New Hope Academy Cameron S. Phillips Glenarden Woods Elementary School Brandon Reed Belair Baptist Christian Academy Bryant Reed Belair Baptist Christian Academy Jamie Reed Suitland High School Jayla R. Reed Benjamin D. Foulois Academy Michael J. Simmons McLean School Cameron M. Williams Largo High School
We are so proud of you! May God continue to guide your path.
3 —Church Announcements— “Driven by Destiny”
Legacy Offering Challenge Listen to the Word Online We are very close to reaching our 2016 Legacy goal of You can now listen to Pastor Sterling anytime on Ketter- $300,000. Your sacrifice is needed to make this goal pos- ing’s website. Just log on to the church website at: sible. Let’s take a step of faith, trust God, dig deep and www.ketteringministries.org . Click on the “Sermons” link, and choose a sermon. Tell your friends and family, watch Him do wonders as a result of our obedience. - Please designate your giving on your tithe envelope to churched and un churched, the Word is available 24/7. Legacy Offering, or use a Legacy Offering envelope available in the pew. Place Orders for Debt Free Bible Lesson
Men’s Ministry Whether you missed Pastor Sterling’s study on “How to Live Debt Free and Manage Your Finances,” attended some sessions or attended every session, you will want to get a copy of the CD recording of this study to add to your library or share with your children, relatives, and/or friends. This will be a great Christmas gift. There is a wealth of knowledge that everyone can benefit from for years to come. The cost for the series is $20. Contact the AV ministry to place your order. New Year's Eve Service
Volunteers Needed KBC volunteers are ne eded for Junior Achievement (JA) once again ! In November, our volunteers positively impa cted stud ents' li ves and made history at the JA Financ e Par k in Pr ince Geo rg e's County! We w ere the first chur ch volunt ee r group that includ ed its pas tor , first lady, and congregants. Th e JA Financ e Park will host James Madison Middl e School (close to our new location) on 8am -1:30 pm. KBC will provid e transportati on. We will ne ed 25 volunteers each day to be successful. For d etails and to sign up, please contact Rhonda Caldwell at the church. Parking Lot ministry Transportation Ministry Wh ere will wors hip beg in at Kettering Bapti st Church Legac y Ce nter? It will beg in in the parking lot. To first The Transportati on Ministry will only provide transporta- honor Go d, and to make thi s mini stry a success, we are in tion for the 11 AM ne ed of dedica te d members (16 years and older), to vo lun- teer th eir time. Th e mini stry's mission is to make KBCLC a safe and conve ni ent place for all to worship and visit. A sig n-up shee t is on th e foyer table for thos e interested. For more information, p leas e contact Ma lcolm Clerkl ey
Circle of Comfort The Grief Ministry will be hosting a "Circle of Comfort" for the Kettering Baptist Church adult family members (men and women)
4 KBC Mass Choir Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware “Driven by Destiny”
The Ke ering Bap st Church Mass Choir provided the musical praise support for the opening session of the 181 st Annual Mee ng of the Bap st Conven- on of Maryland/Delaware. The theme of the mee ng was “United in Prayer.” This annual mee ng was of great historical significance because it marks the inaugura on of the first African American State Execu ve Director in Southern Bap st history! The conven- on was held at the Sheraton Bal more North Hotel the week of 13 Novem- ber. The Mass Choir offered the following songs in praising of God during the session, Magnify Him, Oh Lord We Give Glory, High in All the Earth and We Offer Praise . Each rendi on brought great praise to our God and helped to bring a spirit filled atmosphere to the session. The choir was well received and their efforts were much appreciated by the Conven on leadership, the session speaker and the a endees. The session speaker was Pastor Daniel Henderson, President and Founder of Strategic Renewal. Strategic Renewal exists to ignite personal renewal, congrega onal revival, and leadership restora- on for Christ’s glory. As a Senior Pastor for over two decades, Pastor Henderson brought prayer-based revitaliza on to several mega-churches. The theme of his remarks came from Romans 15: 30 – 33, it was “We Must Pray for Our Chris an Leaders.” He explained as worshipers why we should pray. It is our duty pray for our Chris an leaders. It will be done with re- gard for Christ, “...for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Amplified). We should pray for our leaders because of our love for the Spirit. Pastor Henderson highlighted how we should pray. He encouraged the a endees to make every effort to pray for leadership no ma er what we are going through, our Chris an leadership is always under great strain and figh ng the good fight for us and God. Finally he what we should pray for. The protec on of our Chris an leaders from the influences, a acks and tempta ons of the world. The prosperity of our leaders so they may focus on the Word of God. Their provision in that they are given me rest and replenish themselves to be ready physically and mentally to lead us in this Chris an walk. You know on day I might stay for the en re mee ng. Submi ed by Kenneth Trass
5 —Health & Wellness Ministry— “Driven by Destiny”
6 —Opportunities for Growth in Christ— “Driven by Destiny”
Church Calendar for January 2017
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